South Africa demonstrated the defensive skills that made it world champion as it held off a spirited Samoa 13-5 in a bruising and entertaining clash Friday to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. Samoa enjoyed the majority of possession in front of a capacity crowd at the North Harbour Stadium but the Springboks were physical in the tackle and clinical in attack to end the Pacific Islanders hopes of reaching the last eight. Winger Bryan Habana scored an early try and Frans and Morne Steyn kicked eight points between them as the Springboks made it four wins from four to win Pool D and set up a probable quarter-final against Australia. Both sides finished with 14 men after Samoan fullback Paul Williams was shown a red card in the 69th minute for striking flanker Heinrich Brussow while Springbok replacement John Smit was given a yellow card for a deliberate knock on shortly after. “It was really tough,” Victor Matfield said in a pitchside interview. The match had been expected to be full of hard hits and physical play and neither side disappointed with some huge collisions in the opening stages. Wales needs just a point from its match with Fiji Sunday to join South Africa in advancing from Pool D. It was drama in the 69th minute when Williams was sent off. Springbok flanker Brussow repeatedly struck Williams on the arm as the fullback, lying on the floor, hung on to his shirt and prevented him from leaving a ruck. The Samoan then got to his feet and slapped the South African who fell to the ground with referee Nigel Owens showing a red card after consultation with his assistant. It was soon 14 aside, with Smit shown a yellow card which ended his game after palming for an intercept pass he was never going to reach before kicking the ball downfield. Samoa continued to press but the Springboks held firm to deny the Islanders the point they needed to maintain their hopes of finishing runners
